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    McAlister's Deli

    2.9 (89 reviews)
    InexpensiveDelis, Salad, Sandwiches
    Closed 10:30 am - 9:00 pm

    McAlister's Deli Photos

    Business Info

    MCALISTER'S DELI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - McAlister's Deli

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    Pick 2
    Lilee N.

    Decent sit down deli that has some good sandwich, baked potato, soup, and salad options. Price is on par with Panera but the lines here are shorter and the customer service is much friendlier. You can get good lunch deals by picking two from the salad, sandwich, soups, or potato options. They bake their cookies daily. We tried their baked potato with cheese (can't really mess up a baked potato) an herb chicken sandwich on croissant (wish the chicken was a single piece vs tiny chunks of chicken that fell out of the sandwich), and chowder soup (decent and hearty). Food was good and made to order but nothing spectacular. They do have plenty of seating and can accommodate large groups. The staff also cleans up the table afterwards which is really nice.

    Weirdly cut sandwich. 2 big pieces & 2 small pieces.
    Jason L.

    I gave this place a 5 star review 3 years ago. Been back dozens of times since without any problems. Today must of been a bad day. We all have them. As soon as the wife & I sat down, we noticed no napkins in the dispenser on our table. No napkins any at the tables near us. Stood up to get napkins from the counter only to notice many empty napkin dispensers sitting to the right of the registers. Had to ask for napkins is a bad sign. Getting only 5 cheap store bought napkins another bad sign. Almost like someone forgot to order napkins, for a restaurant, no less. Another bad sign was that my wife got the wrong sandwich and side even though they match the table sign with the number on the order. Her sandwich that was weirdly cut with 2 big pieces and 2 really small pieces. See pics of sandwich and empty napkin dispensers. Today must have been a bad day but my wife & I will be back.

    Turkey Club. So yummy!
    Natalie M.

    Remembering the days when I would get McAlister's over in Texas when I used to live there. I got the sweet tea and the McAlister's club. It came with baked chips and a pickle. Yum! The pickle was fresh and this club was so yummy. The ingredients tasted really fresh and I love the honey mustard. Its sweetness complemented the sandwich very well. The staff were also so friendly!

    Bread bowl, as served.
    Maron H.

    Terrible experience. Was served a bread bowl that seemed smashed and poorly put together. Very disappointing.

    this is how you eat soup with no spoon. womp.
    Cambrie A.

    After driving since midnight, I stopped here at 11a for lunch. I ordered tomato bisque and half a spud to go. I asked for no sour cream with the spud. Not only did they not give me any butter for my potato, they also didn't give me a freaking spoon for my soup. I didn't check my bag before leaving the restaurant, as I normally only have to do that at McDonald's. So, because I don't keep spare spoons in my car, I had to pour my bisque on top of my potato in order to eat it. I also stopped in the restroom on my way out, and there was zero toilet paper in the stall I used. The restaurant opened 30 minutes before I arrived, so I'm guessing someone just didn't feel like checking the restrooms before the restaurant opened. I could understand if it was after the lunch rush or in the evening, but this was 30 minutes after opening. Thanks for killing my uber excitement to eat here.

    Spicy Turkey Melt

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    4 months ago

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Service not amazing staff is self absorbed not much cleanliness around the restaurant or restroom need better management.

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

    VERY similar to Paneras except VERY LONG WAIT TIMES regardless of number of people ahead of you.

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    7 years ago

    I ate here out of connivence which I don't plan on doing again. The sandwich was very average.

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    9 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Reasonable food (lamb kebab my favoriate) but didn't offer delivery. Not sure if it does delivery now.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - McAlister's Deli

    Martinelli's Market - Bakery & Deli - Bruschetta Sandwich

    Martinelli's Market - Bakery & Deli

    4.5(43 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    First of all, the quality and variety of the baked goods, as well as the hand made sammiches that…read moreemploy those baked goods are the bomb and probly worth the trip. I've had occasion to make it over to this large bakery/cafe just north of downtown C-U for lunch a couple times and never been disappointed. Granted the food (including a couple fantastic side salad options) isn't cheap, but everything is made properly with high quality ingredients and well worth the occasional splurge. Although we have only tried some samples, there's even a fancy coffee cafe within.5 Factor in that all the employees we've met (including the delivery people out in the Central IL grocery stores) have been pleasantly passionate about their products, and you start to understand how they've come to stand out in what seems like a fading industry. That said, it also seems like the shelves with high end grocery items like exotic olive oils, Momofuku noodles, hard to find jams and other condiments, have dwindled in the last year or two, likely due to tariff-based cost models, but you are still likely to find a new favorite 'something' just browsing while they craft your sammy. Even if it's just a 'cronut' or a loaf of that amazing olive ciabatta or sourdough, it is becoming a mandatory C-U stop for us.

    The Reuben at Martinelli's Market sets the bar. House-roasted Angus beef brisket arrives tender,…read morejuicy, and generously stacked, layered with Grand Cru Alpine Swiss, sauerkraut, and a house-made Russian dressing that ties everything together. Served on their rye, the sandwich is rich yet balanced, showcasing the quality and care behind every ingredient. Quite simply, the top sandwich in Champaign.

    Photos
    Martinelli's Market - Bakery & Deli - A view of our pastry and deli cases.

    A view of our pastry and deli cases.

    Martinelli's Market - Bakery & Deli - Meatbell Sub ($15.95) - housemade meatballs made with local pork and chevon on baguette covered in housemade marinara, provolone, and romano

    Meatbell Sub ($15.95) - housemade meatballs made with local pork and chevon on baguette covered in housemade marinara, provolone, and romano

    Martinelli's Market - Bakery & Deli - Prosciutto & Fig Sandwich ($16.95) - prosciutto, mozzarella, house-made Mission fig jam, arugula on baguette

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    Prosciutto & Fig Sandwich ($16.95) - prosciutto, mozzarella, house-made Mission fig jam, arugula on baguette

    Baldarotta's Porketta & Sicilian Sausage

    Baldarotta's Porketta & Sicilian Sausage

    4.4(107 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    Hands down the best Italian Beef in region. Staff is the best and new spot always has seating…read more Sandwiches aren't cheap but huge. Very happy this place is around. Miss their pizza.

    Meat sandos make me happy!…read more Glad we stopped by to try this spot! Literally everything was so delish! We were greeted upon entry and although I briefly looked at the menu online, there's so much other randomness that's available! Be sure to follow their socials for specials and limited menu items that aren't on the paper menus at the counter. We ordered the Baldarotta, Italian Beef, and Turkey Pesto-Hot. Also got an order of fries and the Sicilian Potato Salad. Then ran away with 2 pistachio cannolis! There are quite a few tables in the dining area. I really enjoyed that each table was different with a different set of chairs for each table. There are restrooms available...which was great because I definitely got messy! The namesake Baldarotta had a combination of the porketta and sausage and it made me smile from ear to ear! Such a comforting sandwich. The Italian Beef came with a a whole wide container of au jus for optimal dipping and was so flavorful! The Turkey pesto ordered hot (vs. cold) is a game changer! The pesto Mayo was DELISH! Fries were well seasoned. The potato salad had olives in it and I enjoyed that as well! The cannolis we took to go and enjoyed them later that evening! I loved how it wasn't too sweet at all! Parking was easy as there are spaces in the back. They are next to a brewery so could see pairing these tasty eats with a drink or two next door. Will definitely be back!

    Photos
    Baldarotta's Porketta & Sicilian Sausage
    Baldarotta's Porketta & Sicilian Sausage - Yummy cannoli

    Yummy cannoli

    Baldarotta's Porketta & Sicilian Sausage

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    The Brown Bag Deli Restaurant - Tuna salad sandwich

    The Brown Bag Deli Restaurant

    4.3(66 reviews)
    18.9 mi
    $

    Over the last 15 years or more I've been to this establishment maybe 4-5 times; each time I go, I…read moreremember why it's been years since my last visit and I tell myself it wasn't worth it to return when there are so many other options available. This place is incredibly expensive for what you get with regard to the food and the service (or essentially lack thereof). At this time, full simple sandwiches are $12-14 with no sides included (think typical ham and turkey with cheese, tomato, and lettuce with mayo on it that you can make at home), and soups are nearly $8 for a cup and $9 for a bowl. The sandwiches (and "Mexican" fare) have fresh ingredients, but are very mediocre and bland tasting given their simplicity--not remotely worth that price. The high pricing isn't to cover wait staff/cleaning staff or maintaining the facility itself. Orders are taken at the counter and you await to hear your name called to get your food yourself, then rid of all your waste yourself before leaving. The entire dining room was dirty with crumbs on all tables, chairs, and the floor. The trash was full, and the bathroom toilet and urinal both had unflushed waste in them. The place was not busy as it was later afternoon; there were plenty of staff available to keep an eye on the dining room to ensure, at the very least, that the tables and chairs were clean and the trash wasn't full. The building itself is old with a lot(!) of unfinished and inaccessible areas, basic/old tables with cheap "decor". So for over $52 today my spouse and I had two very basic sandwiches, two bowls of semi-warm soup, and two large drinks in a dirty basic dining room after ordering and retrieving the food ourselves. With that price, you'd think the place would be minutely updated and certainly should be cleaner, there would be wait staff, and the food would have much more flavor with much more to it. There are several other places in Monticello to get great tasting food with included sides, cleaner facilities and wait staff, all for less than the price of a basic sandwich that you get here. I love to support small businesses and the staff were certainly friendly so I feel a bit guilty for this review, but this needs to be said about this incredibly overhyped place. This time I won't forget why I infrequent this establishment and won't be back.

    Thanks to Yelp, I found the Brown Bag Deli in Monticello while there for visit to Allerton Park one…read moreSaturday, and enjoyed our lunch there. First off, there is a bit of a wait for your order, but trust me, it's worth it. We were there at a prime Saturday lunch hour and the wait was a bit long but I have to tell you, these are REAL 'sandwich artists' that work for this great little place, and they take great care with your order. Plenty of sides to choose from, drinks and homemade pie for dessert, too! I do not order Tuna Salad out bcz I'm always disappointed but I took a chance here at the BBD, and wow did I enjoy my meal. White bread, Tuna Salad, onion and pickle...SO DELICIOUS!!! I was very full after eating the sandwich too. Hubs had the Dagwood Special and totally enjoyed it. Bypass the fast food across the street and visit this great little diner in downtown Monticello. You will be happy you did!

    Photos
    The Brown Bag Deli Restaurant - Triple berry pie Oreo silk pie

    Triple berry pie Oreo silk pie

    The Brown Bag Deli Restaurant - The Dagwood special

    The Dagwood special

    The Brown Bag Deli Restaurant

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    Dee-Dee’s Beef - Dee-Dee's Cutlets Sandwich

    Dee-Dee’s Beef

    5.0(6 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    I ordered a Dee-Dee's Cutlets Sandwich (on the restaurant week's menu) to go. It was delicious! The…read moresandwich contained a big chicken cutlets, and mozzarella (kind of herb seasoned), and was just suitable for feeding me full during dinner. People here were so nice and friendly! I see that it's only open during dinner time through Thursday to Saturday. I think students would be happy if Dee-Dee's Beef could expand its opening hours to lunch throughout the week! Looking forward to that to happen!

    Prediction: Dee-Dee's Beef will soon become a Champaign-Urbana institution…read more This place is the real deal. They know what they do extraordinarily well and stick to it. I had never had an authentic Italian beef sandwich before, but after last night, I knew I had had the best in the state, outside of Chicago perhaps. Their menu is straight-forward and harkens back to deli and sandwich shops of old. In fact, I had assumed that Dee-Dee's had been around for decades. My combo sandwich was heavy duty, bursting with beef, juice, and flavor. If you are a more economical eater, unlike myself, then you could certainly get two meals out of it. Customer service was above and beyond. I imagine that I corresponded directly over the phone and counter with one of the Owners when placing and picking up my order. Located in the Cracked restaurant space right on Green Street, they are open three days a week (for now) and accept all major credit cards. We will be back, no question.

    Photos
    Dee-Dee’s Beef - Dee-Dee's Cutlets Sandwich

    Dee-Dee's Cutlets Sandwich

    Dee-Dee’s Beef

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    Cheese and Crackers - Rainbow Veggie Sandwich

    Cheese and Crackers

    4.3(110 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $$

    This sandwich shop remains unmatched. We came in for Mindy's Italian and Rainbow Veggie sandwiches…read more The ingredients are fresh, the vinegar is expertly balanced, and the French bread gives every bite a crunch. Bravo!

    I have officially had the best sandwich in my life, thanks to this place. I'm visiting a friend,…read moreand found Cheese and Crackers on Yelp. I'm not a sandwich person, but my 16 year old is, and I wanted something I could eat to-go. You can smell the scent of yummy as you walked into the door. It appears to be a gourmet grocery store, specializing in sushi grade seafood, pasta from Italy, fancy cheeses, meats, caviar, and sodas from around the country. They had diet Cheerwine, even. I've never seen so many different root beers in one place- there was even a pumpkin root beer! There wasn't a BLT on the menu, but they custom made one for my son, and he added pesto and provolone. He declared it the best BLT ever, and knocked his favorite sandwich place back home to second place. I had the Thanksgiving everyday. A $16 buck sandwich, I was skeptical it wasn't going to live up to its price point. However, it was worth every cent. It was turkey, goat cheese, and homemade cranberry sauce on sourdough, and grilled panini style on a press. The turkey was sliced fresh- everything was made fresh. The taste was absolutely amazing. I live in California, but hate most sourdough bread, because that tang tastes spoiled. You don't have that weird taste with Cheese and Crackers sourdough bread- it's just delicious toasted buttered bread. It was the right texture and made it crunch. The crew appeared very hardworking and enjoyed their jobs. We were greeted kindly, and felt welcome. I use a walker, and was able to navigate the store, but note the space is kinda small. Since I don't live here, I'm going to do my best to recreate my sandwich at home. Cheese and Crackers- thanks for teaching me about a delicious flavor combination, and for providing an enjoyable epicurean experience.

    Photos
    Cheese and Crackers - Mindy's Italian Sandwich

    Mindy's Italian Sandwich

    Cheese and Crackers - Half of my Thanksgiving Everyday sandwich..we ate in the car. No seating inside, but there are chairs outside.

    Half of my Thanksgiving Everyday sandwich..we ate in the car. No seating inside, but there are chairs outside.

    Cheese and Crackers - Hand made chocolates

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    Hand made chocolates

    McAlister's Deli - delis - Updated May 2026

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